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EUPHEMIO OF MESSINA; 



TRAGEDY, 



TRANSLATED FROM THE ITALIAN 



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SILVIO PELL ICO 



NEW YORK: 



PUBLISHED BY MONSON BANCROFT. 



MDCCC XXXIV, 



1334- 



ENTERED ACCORDING TO ACT OF CONGRESS, IN THE YEAR MDCCC XXXIV, BY 

MONSON BANCROFT, 

IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR THE 
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK- 



£#r4 



SLEIGHT & VAN NORDEN, PRINT. 



The following Tragedy is founded upon events which 
occurred A. D. 825 or 830, during an irruption of the 
Saracens into Sicily. The chronicles of the times, both 
Christian and Moorish, agree in making mention of a 
Sicilian warrior, by name Euphemio, or Eutimio, who> 
in disgust at his countrymen for some imagined 
wrong endured at their hands, crossed into Africa, and 
conducted the Saracens thence in arms to the walls of 
his native city. 



PERSONS REPRESENTED 



Theodore, King of Sicily. 

Ludovica. his daughter. 

EuphemiOj formerly leader of the Sicilian, now of the 

Saracen army. 
Almanzor, an officer of the Saracens, subordinate to 

Euphemio. 
Sicilian Soldiers. 
Saracen Soldiers. 



The Scene is beneath the walls of Messina, and near 
the o-ates. 



EUPHEMIO OF MESSINA 



A. C T FIRST 

SCENE I . 

Theodore and the Sicilian soldiers rush tumidtuously upon 
the scene, as flying from the battle, intercepted in their course 
by the multitude of enemies ivho throng from all sides. 

SICILIANS. 

The Saracens ! The Saracens ! 

THEODORE, 

Cursed day ! 
Another troop is pouring from the west ! 
Resistance is in vain ! On every side 
Hell seems to send her fresh battalions forth ! 
Back, wretched countrymen ! back to the walls ! 
Haste to Messina and defend her ! 



SCENE II. 

Enter a band of Saracens headed by almanzor. 

ALMANZOR, ( fighting with THEODORE.) 

Yield, 
Yield up that sword ! 



6 EUPHEMIO OF MESSINA. 

THEODORE. 

Not yet ! 

(Fights courageously, but his followers are dispersed J) 

Cowards ! your leader 
Do ye abandon thus ? 

ALMA NZOR 

(disarms Theodore, and stands over him 
in a threatening attitude.) 
To the true God, 
And to His Prophet, bend that, haughty front, 
Or die ! 

TH EODORE. 

The true God have I ever worshipped, 
And boast myself a soldier of the cross ! 

ALMANZOR. 

Die, then ! 



SCENE III. 

While almanzor is about to slay his prisoner, enter 
euphemio, followed by a number of Saracens. 

EUPHEMIO. 

What dost thou ? In an unarmed foeman's blood, 
A Moslem may not stain his noble blade ! 

(almanzor liberates t H EODORE; — //ie latter and 
euphemio stand gazing at each other.) 

euphemio. 
Thou ! Do I see aright? 



ACT I. SCENE III. 7 

THEODORE. 

That voice! 

EUPHEMIO. 

Oh, joy ! 
Yes! he alone of every living foe, 
Deserves to die ! the false and proud usurper 
Of wronged Sicilia's throne, — the cruel parent, 
Who gave his only child to lasting grief: — 
He, who despised each right, — the accursed cause 
Of all my woes, — he, on whose head alone, 
The pain my parricidal arms have wrought, 
Should fall ! 

THEODORE. 

Thee, thee, upon thy native soil. 
Do I behold the leader of the hosts 
That come to war with Heaven % 

EUPHEMIO. 

In my first years 
Of youthful daring, this ungrateful land, 
Which now I come to fill with strife and bloody 
I called my country. Then, by every tongue 
My name was hailed, the pride of Sicily. 
Ten times victorious did my arm avert 
From your devoted necks the dreaded yoke 
Of infamy and bondage ; these same Moors. 
Who now advance to humble and subdue you, 
Four times I drove back to their ancient seas. 
While Africa and Asia, knowing well 
The sword which had repelled them, dared no more 
liOok with desire on these protected shores. 
And when thou didst aspire to free this isle 
From the Greek emperor's rule, who but Euphemio 
Could have performed the work ? The distant kingdoms 



EUPHEMIO OF MESSINA. 

Of Bosphorus shrank trembling from the name 
My deeds of might had won ! I gave to thee 
Peace and dominion. Fool ! I fondly deemed thee 
A new Lycurgus. and I knew not then 
Beneath thy seeming lurked a tyrant's soul. 
And when proud nobles from their fortresses 
Justly refused their homage, it was I. 
Who brought the subject island to thy feet. 
I only 

THEODORE. 

What say'st thou I Hast then forgot 
The high rewards I gave ? 

EUPHEMIO. 

Impious ! thou daredst not 
Then to reproach me with my birth obscure. 
Yet artful were thy flatteries. With a band 
Of specious slaves thou didst surround thy person. 
Preparing thus to overwhelm the champion 
Who gave thee power. One crime alone was mine ; 
In trusting friendship I revealed to thee 
My love for Ludovica — that alone 
My guilt, my treason ! Loaded with vile chains, 
Branded with infamy — basely immured 
In dungeon walls — and doomed to expiate 
His boldness by an ignominious death, 
Is now Siciha's hero ! Where is he 
Among her citizens who then unsheathed 
A sword to battle in my cause ? Not one ! 
Oh, race of cowards ! Then I swore against you 
Eternal hate and vengeance ! I escaped 
Miraculously from prison : trusted me 
In my frail bark to ocean's boisterous waves ; 
To Afric's joyless shores I tied, and there 
Found in the lion's country human hearts. 
A home, respect, and truth which will not change. 



\ 



ACT 1. SCENE III 9 

There laid I down the vestments of my shame, 

And with the Moslem turban girt my head ; 

Their Prophet I adored, and truly bowed 

My grateful spirit to a God whose servants 

Are generous and faithful. In those deserts 

My word went forth with superhuman power, 

Myself omnipotent, a man of Heaven ! 

To desecrate Rome's altars overthrown, 

Through Europe's realms to pour the Koran's light. 

Such were my promises — thou seest there rush 

To follow where I lead, unnumbered hosts 1 

THEODORE. 

Oh sacrilegious daring ! Yet the earth 

Yawns not to ingulf thee ! Thy paternal shrines 

To steep in blood ! What deadlier crime hath hell ? 

Yet not for Fate nor Sicily I tremble ! 

The cause is Heaven's — Heaven will the champion find ! 

On my head satiate thy thirst for blood : 

My days have been sufficient for my glory ! 

Yet to have cherished thee, thou venomed snake, 

In mine own heart, — this is the sole remorse, 

The solitary sin I mourn in death. 

Strike ! what restrains thine arm ? the benefits 

Avenge which I so many years have poured 

Upon thy miscreant head ! To make thee bold, 

Shall I recall my crimes ? This is the spot 

Where once, in other strife than this, I saw thee 

Last in the crowded ranks, an humble soldier. 

These rocks, these waves heard when I gave thee rule 

Above thine equals. Glorious deeds of thine 

Won me ; a strange affection bound me to thee ; 

The indignant claims of chiefs the most renowned 

For thee I slighted ; made them subject all 

To a mean soldier. " All, all, save Euphemio," 

I said, " may prove unfaithful, he alone 

"Will love, will watch, invincible in truth," 

2 



10 El'PHEMIO OF MESSINA. 

Thus madly blind ! yet I discerned it all. 

Thy foul ambition, when, unmindful quite 

Of my exalted rank, thou didst aspire 

To win my daughter ; hoping thence to srain 

Right to the throne. Thy bold request denied. 

To infamous treacheries thy thoughts were turned — 

EVPHEMIO. 

Not infamy ! By thee and by thy courtier^. 

The false proofs of my treachery were sought. 

And cited to my wrong. Yet even now 

1 scarce can tell if perfidy of others. 

Or oL thine own. impelled thee : those gray hairs 

I fain would reverence still : would deem thee cheated. 

But willino; to be just : would pity thee, 

Not hate. — if I were not compelled to hatred 

By memory of thy daughter. Yes. exult ! 

Dost thou not see me tremble ? Scarce I dare 

Ask thee of her : the knowledge of her fate 

May bring me anguish worse than death. Yet say, 

Where is she ! To the tyrant of Salerno 

A helpless prey hast thou deli v ered her. 

All noble as she is ) the sorrowing bride 

Of him, the guiltiest monster that e"er sat 

Upon a throne of blood ! Hath he ere this. 

"With steel or poison the pure tears avenged. 

Which she perchance, has shed for me ? Speak ! lives she? 

Or must I in thy blood avenge her death ? 

THEODORE. 

She lives — but all thy hopes are vain ! 

Ei'PHEMio. (icith transport.) 

She lives ! 
Once more I shall behold her ! pluck her forth 
From my stern rival's arms ! 



ACT I. SCENE III. 11 



THEODORE. 



Thy rival's power 
Could blast thee and thine armies with a glance. 
An awful tie — 

euphemio. 
Binds her to whom ? 

THEODORE, 

To God. 

euphemio (is disconcerted at first, then changes to 
sudden transport.) 

Oh ! joy ! Salerno's Prince thou didst despise, 
My Ludovica ! mine ! She loves me still ! 

THEODORE. 

No ! false thy pride's suggestion ! She abhors thee, 

Beholding thee my foe ; and to Sipholco 

Had long ere this been wedded, had not death 

From the approaching nuptials snatched his prey. 

In robes of widowhood the pious maid 

Long nursed her grief, and when at length I offered 

Another bridal, prostrate on the ground 

She flung herself, and choked with tears exclaimed, 

" Father ! I swear, no wild and fancied wish, 

" But God's own voice, invites me now to seek 

" The holy cloister's walls V Long I resisted ; 

But bowed at last submissive to the Lord. 

In yonder temple, (pointing to the city.) 

where that tower ascends, 
She lives, of thee and of thy deeds accursed 
Peacefully ignorant. 



12 EUPHEMIO OF MESSINA. 

EUPHEMIO. 

Conscious she lives 
Of my enduring' love. Before those altars, 
Mourning she gives her vows, her prayers to Heaven, 
Her heart to me. 

THEODORE. 

But yesterday the vows 
So dread, the self-devoted maid pronounced. 
She glowed with holy zeal. " Daughter !" I cried, 
" Return to taste the joys which earth can give !" 
Vestments en wreathed with gold shone at her feet, 
And gems of gorgeous lustre. All in vain 
Did I portray the pride of queenly state ; 
A consort's and a mother's tender bliss : 
With high disdain she trampled on the pomp, 
Caught up the sacred veil, her bosom robed, 
And prostrate on the earth lay long in silence, 
Like some pale victim in funereal garb. 
Then, then, I knew she supplicated Heaven 
For me, her father ; wretched child ! and prayed 
For death, that she 'gainst God might sin no more. 

EUPHEMIO. 

Oh, drunk with superstition ! Could st thou see 
Her there dismiss her hymeneal roses 
For the sad robes of death? /understand 
Too well the pleadings of that innocent soul 
In the profaned sanctuary — -She strove 
To avert Heaven's wrath from her most guilty parent, 
Who poisoned her life's spring — she sought a refuge 
There, from her tyrant, whom she yet forgave ; 
And prayed for death, death — as the only good 
Which still remained to one who burns with love 
In silence and despair. No ! wretched girl ! 
Thou shalt not perish thus — a sacrifice 
Upon the altar of a jealous God, 



ACT I. SCENE III. 13 

Who robs outraged nature of thy youth, 
Thy beauty, and thy pure heart's native warmth, 
Formed for love's fond endearment. — Ludovica ! 
Thou shalt be mine ! 

THEODORE. 

Rather than thine, the grave's ! — 
Messina's walls may lack the strength to guard them, 
But to the last, invincible in death, 
Her priests will shield the altars ! nay — reserve 
As a last hiding place, their sacred flames. 

euphem 10. 

And in those flames — Alas ! I know too well 
That fierce Pacomio ! The priestly mantle 
Was justly purchased by his daring pride, 
When issuing from the cloisters of Thebais, 
He came to break the peace of Italy ; 
Denouncing war against all human frailty, 
And martyr flames to all who should not bend 
To him and to the Cross. I fear his fury. 
Fear it — for Ludovica is in danger ! 
Haste thee, Almanzor ! On to yonder city ! 
Pronounce thy Soldan's name of terror, girt 
With whose unconquered myriads, I have sworn 
Messina's ruin, if to this my camp 
They lead not forth the daughter of their king. 
Say that o'er him my sword, suspended hangs, 
Prompt to descend ! my sword — that shall not spare 
A single head — nor youth, nor hoary age ; 
Infants, nor mothers ! I will sow this isle 
With bones and ruins, that the plough no more 
Shall fertilize that soil, which dared deny 
The only boon I deign to ask my country ! 

ALMANZOR. 

My lord ! I do obey thee ! (bows and is retiring.) 



14 El'PnEMIO OF MESSINA. 

Theodore («o Almanzer.) 

Yel — add this — 

That thus I am content to die — I d 
The compact infamous, which would preserve 
My life and kingdom by my daughter's shame ! 
Add this Blasphemous slave ! he hears me not, 

E P H E M I [to his soldi-: - 

Hence to the ships ! Hence with your prisoner, bound ! 
I will collect my troops. 

Exit, making signs with his sword * 
Saract is to ran?-: i nmd him. 

T H E D R E . 

Can I believe my sight ? Or is't a spell 

Of foul enchantment I He my conquer" 

What fate is mine 1 What Ludovica's ? — Heaven ! 

Preserve thy people ! — with my blc : 3 alone, 

If Thou art angered be thy wrath appease 

Hi is kd off: 



A C T SECOND. 

SCENE I 

ALMANZOR, returning from the city. EUPHEMIO 
hastens eagerly to meet him. the Saracens in the distance, 

EUPHZMI . 

Alone thou comest ■ Within Messina's walls 
Long hast thou lingered, yet no good achieved ? 



ACT II. SCENE I. 15 

Ah ! feeble were thy words ! no friends are there ! 

I, I will thunder hi the city's ears, 

That she shall hear and tremble ! (going.) 

ALMANZOR. 

Stay, arrest thee ! 
Thou dost insult my friendship ! 

EUPHEMIO. 

Ludovica 
I do adore, will tear her from the power 
Of priestly rage 

ALMANZOR. 

Thus wilt thou both destroy ! 
Death waits thee there. 

EUPHEMIO. 

Be it so ! Let me behold her, 
And if not life, meet death at least with her. 

ALMANZOR. 

Then have we served a traitor. Where are now 

The promised kingdoms, to whose sole possession 

Thou didst invite the desert's sons 7 For thee 

I left my noble father's tents revered ; 

My wives, and mine inheritance, which now 

My brothers in my absence have torn from me ; 

"Which I can ne'er regain. Ten tribes I brought 

To range beneath thy standard, for I deemed 

A Deity spoke from thy burning lips. 

I would have sacrificed at thy command 

My soul's best treasure. Now, must I discover 

My idol a mere mortal ? Was it not 

The spirit of our Prophet, which inspired thee ? 

Was not Euphemio destined to impose 

Laws on the subject earth ? Thou weep'st, and hidest 



16 EUPHEMIO OF MESSINA. 

Thy face upon my breast. Wilt thou then die ? 
Wilt thou abandon these thy faithful hosts. 
And thine Almanzor in this hostile land ? 

EUPHEMIO. 

Never ! My courage, smothered in despair, 

Lives at thy words. Europe my land of birth, 

My country's name and treacheries I abhor : 

To me the soil is native which produces 

Souls kindred to mine own. A child of Afric 

I boast myself, AJmanzor — and thy brother ; 

Thine, to whom more than life I owe, the hope 

Of high renown. Two sovereigns in my breast 

Of equal power has nature placed ; the thirst 

Passionate and deep, for glorious fame, and — love ! 

No rest my soul shall taste, till I behold 

These thrones at mine and Ludovica's feet. 

With thee I scorn to feign. I was not made 

A follower of the Koran by the truths 

Celestial it reveals, but by the light 

Which shone from swords that battled in the cause 

Of Mahomet and victory. " Peace !" the priest 

Cries to the unwarlike West. — -Base peace !" I answer, 

" For coward Rome knows not to wield the brand 

" Of her once glorious Caesars !" — War, instead, 

And triumph to his Eastern conquerors 

Bold Mahomet proclaims. — He, of the brave 

True Prophet, is the prophet of Euphemio ! 

Yet well thou knowest, that messenger of God 

Himself confessed the power of love. — The vulgar 

Alone are free from love, great souls must feel it. 

A L M A N Z O R . 

The vulgar yield submissive to its sway, 
To whom but lofty souls does it belong 
To conquer it ? 



ACT II. SCENE I. 17 

E UPHEMIO. 

What say's t thou ? Ludovica 

A L M ANZ O R . 

In vain within Messina from my lips 

Sounded Euphemio's dreaded name ; in vain 

I saw their boldest warriors awed to silence. 

Many indeed, assented that to free 

The helpless city from the threatened slaughter, 

One woman as a ransom might be given, 

Whose fate involved such fearful risks. When lo ! 

Forth to harangue the multitude, arose 

A gray haired, mitred man, who bore in hand 

A shepherd's rod of gold, to whom each head 

Bowed low in pious silence. — " Oh ! reproach 

" Of mine old age !" he cried. — " Ye who refuse 

" This day to immolate before the cross, 

" Crimson with blood divine, the unhallowed blood 

" Of sinful man ! Ye would have torn from us 

" An innocent maid, with solemn vows devoted 

" To heaven, that in his infamous embrace 

" A Moslem slave might drag her to perdition ! 

" Heaven tempts you ! Yet the sacrifice proposed 

" Will ne'er preserve your coward lives. — Yon host 

" Of Saracens, regardless of their oaths, 

" Will trample you ; or if their vengeance linger, 

" These seas themselves, by awful justice urged, 

u "VV^ill rise to overwhelm this guilty land ! 

u There i s ne hope of succor ; keep the path 

" Of sternest virtue, — at all risks defend 

" Your country and your shrines ! Then, then perchance 

" The Omnipotent may work his miracles 

" To save you !" — He was silent; and the crowd 

With one voice 'mid the mighty tumult answered, 

" Before the holy altar be profaned, 

" Be death our lot !" — My threatenings I repeated ; 



18 ELPHE.MIi> OF MESSINA. 

But all the air now shone with glancing swords, 
Brandished and prompt to strike ! I there had fallen, 
Had not the hoary speaker spread his robe, 
Shield like, around me, crying. — " To a herald, 
•• Though faithless, keep we faith ! untainted, pure. 
•• If not our fortune, honor still remains ! 7 ' 
Roused at the word, an hundred warriors straight 
Scattered apart the furious multitude, 
And led me to the city srates unhurt. 

EUPHEMIO. 

Madness ! let Theodore be hither dragged ! 
He first shall feel my vengeance ! To the dust 
Messina shall be razed ! The innocent 
Shall perish undistinguished with the guilty ! 
Hence from my heart the thought of Ludovica ! 
No place is in the exterminators breast 
For other passion now, than deadliest hate ! 
Thou, woman, — by the vaunted altar snatched 
From me, thou too shalt perish with the altar ! 
Thou never canst be mine, and in thy charms 
None shall exult, not God himself ! Alas ! 
What do I say J — My brain is wild ! — No ! live, 
Unhappy girl ! and let thy rescued country 
To thee her undeserved safety owe ! 
I will depart, — yes ! 'tis the deepest proof 
My heart can give of love. 

&LMANZOB. 

How! 

EUPHEMIO. 

I have said : 
Presume not thou to speak. Let us depart. 
The wide earth lies before our steps. A god, 
In passion's spite, speaks in my heart, and tells me, 



ACT II. SCENE I. 19 

Man may not raise his arm against his country ! 
In vain I would deny:— some power unknown 
Compels these words. 

( Takes Almanzor by the hand, and points to the city. ) 

Yon towering walls, which vainly 
I strive to hate, I secretly adore ! 
I gaze upon those temples, where I raised 
My earliest prayers to my Creator's throne, 
And feel my heart beat thick with tenderness : 
I hear again those sacred trumpets' sound, 
That hailed the day when Sicily proclaimed me 
Her hero and deliverer ! — Day of bliss ! 
Oh, Ludovica ! how with love and joy 
Shone thy celestial smile ! Oh ! proudly blest ! — 
Alas — -I rave ! — 

ALMANZOR. 

Madman ! and darest thou then 
Blaspheme thy faith ? — Tremble ; but not for me, 
Too well I love thee ! — tremble before that Heaven 
Which hears thee now ! 

e u p H E m t o. 

Heaven then I call to witness, 
I ne'er forsook my country ! it was she, 
Ungrateful land, that cast me from her breast. 
Not by mine own, but by the guilt of others 
Was I made impious ! 

ALMANZOR. 

Let Messina triumph 
In her past crimes ! Let her behold Euphemio 
Fly from her unavenged ! 

EUPHEMIO. 

I unavenged ? 
Dost thou believe it ? 



20 EUPHEMIO OF MESSINA. 

A L M A N Z O R . 

No ; the sons of Afric, 
Like thee, are fierce in love. — in hatred fiercer. 

EUPHEMIO, 

Thou knowest me well. The passions in my soul 
War with destructive force, I feel within me 
The presage of approaching death, and pray thee 
If I should die, my vengeance to fulfil. 
Permit me now to know one friend, and swear 
When I am nought, to battle on these shores, 
Till yonder city smoke, a funeral pile 
Worthy my obsequies. And if she live — 
The lady of my heart, restore to her 
My lifeless dust, 

ALMANZOR. 

Already have I sworn, 
Still swear to obey thee : — cease ! 



SCENE II. 
Enter Theodore bound, conducted by the Saracen* 

EUPHEMIO. 

Advance, thou felon ! 
And let thine eyes look on the sun's last light. 
To-day they must be closed forever ! 

THEODORE, 

Here 



EUPHEMIO, 

Thou comest to die. 



ACT II. SCENE II. 21 



THEODORE. 



My daughter? speak — Thine eyes 
Lighten with rage ! Joy ! joy ! they have rejected, 
My noble subjects — thy detested proffers ! 

EUPHEMIO. 

By Heaven, he braves me still i Remember, now 

Thou hast no subjects more ! Those chains have made 

thee 
Euphemio's slave. 

THEODORE. 

Chains cannot take from me 
A monarch's soul ; nor art thou less degraded 
For all thy vaunted strength. 

EUPHEMIO. 

Audacious boaster ! 
To what would'st thou compel me ? Must I dip 
My pure hands in thy blood ? No ; scorn and pity 
Withhold the blow. Thy life I offer still, 
If thou wilt send to yonder stubborn city 
A token of thy will, that they deliver 
Thy daughter to my power. — 

THEODORE. 

And hopest thou, fool ! 
Messina would obey? No — justly scorned 
Were such commands from me. 

EUPHEMIO. 

Go then, thyself; 
Almanzor with thee. Pledge thy kingly word 
Thou will adopt all means that may obtain 
The boon I claim. Think — to thyself the sceptre 
Thou dost preserve, and to thy citizens, 
Wealth, life, religion. So thy ransomed country 



22 EUPHEMIO OF MESSINA. 

Shall hail thee rightly Father ! Other parents 
Have given their offspring's life for public safety. 
None ask of thee a daughter's death. She lives 
Buried beneath the altar's gloomy shade. 
To draw her from that living tomb, and yield her 
To one who with unfathomed love adores, 
A sacred bride in ties eternal bound, — 
This is the sacrifice we claim. 

THEODORE. 

More light 
The sacrifice to tear a daughter's heart 
From her breast piecemeal ! 

EUPHEMIO. 

Oh accursed soul ! 
Unnatural sire ! He shames my dull delay ! 
Kneel in the dust before me ! 

THEODORE. 

In the dust, 
I, kneel before a traitor ? 

euphemio (to the Saracens who surround Theodore.) 

Yes ! by force 
Bow down the haughty tyrant ! at my feet 
Fall his dissevered head ! 

Theodore (kneels compelled by the soldiers.) 

I kneel at last, — 
To God— but to thee, never ! King of heaven ! 
Pardon thy suppliant that he oft has trod 
The paths of sin ! Thy justice from my head 
Has torn a crown I merit not ! unworthy 
Am I to die beneath my father's roof, 
Soothed by thy holy sacraments in death ! 



ACT II. SCENE 111. 23 

My limbs may not be bathed with filial tears ! 
I bow me to thy sovereign will, and weep, — 
Not for my death — but faults ! 

(A Saracen stands over him with sword unsheathed, awaiting the 
signal of Euphemio.) 

euphemio (Looking towards the walls.) 

Sight scarce believed ! 
A flag of white is rising from the walls ! 
What may it mean ? 

ALMANZOR. 

The city gates unfold ! * 



SCE NE III. 

ludovica advances from the gate of the city, which 
immediately closes after her. 

EUPHEMIO. 

Ha ! do I see aright ! A maiden veiled ! 

'Tis she ! My foothold fails — Almanzor, help! 

Set free your prisoner. (Signing to Theodore, ivho rises.) 

Theodore (Looking toivards the city.) 

How — my daughter ? No ! 
It is some hellish spell. They could not drive 
My daughter from the cloister ! Ah ! in pity 
Slay me, that I may not perceive the truth ! 

euphemio, sustained by Almanzor, extends his arms to- 
wards that part of the scene from which Ludovica advances. 

She hesitates ! guide me to her — 'Tis she ! 
My Ludovica ! Look on me — Euphemio, 
Who ever loved thee ! ever ! 



24 EUPHEMIO OF MESSINA. 

THEODORE. 

Ill his arms 
My child ! Hath Heaven no thunders left ? Then strike ! 
Or drag me from the hateful sight ! 

euphemio returns, bearing in his arms Ludovica, who 
has fainted. 
Behold him ! {Beckons Theodore to him.) 

ludovica (Rushing forward.) 
Father ! 

THEODORE. 

I curse thee ! 

LUDOVICA. 

No : no ! 

Theodore (Casting her from him with violence.) 
Hence ! 

LUDOVICA. 

I die ! (Sinks to the ground.) 

euphemio (Supporting Ludovica.) 
Hence with the wretch ! 

{Exit Theodore.) 

SCENE IV. 

EUPHEMIO. LUDOVICA. and SARACENS. 
EUPHEMIO. 

Comfort thee ! bestow 
One word on me — nor hide that face adored ! 



ACT II. SCENE IV. 25 

Why tremble ? What fear'st thou ? Thy slightest nod 
Is law to me. 

LUDOVICA. 

My father! — 

ETJPHEMIO. 

Let him go — 
The tyrant ! — what fear'st thou ? 

LUDOVICA. 

Ah me ! they drag him 
To death— 

EUPHEMIO. 

Be calm — his life is now secure. 
Speak'st thou alone of him ? Can my love claim 
No gentle care ? 



LUDOVICA 

Euphemio ! — 



EUPHEMIO. 

Thou lovest me ! yes ! 
Those broken sighs reveal it. I am happy ! 
How happy ! Let the assembled armies round 
Behold thee — and adore my matchless queen ! 

(Exit, conducting Ludovica, and making signs 
to the soldiers to range themselves in order. ) 



EL'PHEMIO OF MESSINA. 

ACT THIRD. 
S C EXE I . 

Enter . it side ledovica, accompanied by San 
almaxzor advances fri itht rite side. 

LUDOVICA. 

Heard'st iliou the mandate of thy prince ! Conduct me 
Into my father's presence, and before 
Thou to Messina dost escort him back. 
Leave me unwitnessed at his side. 

ALMAXZOR. 

Behold him ! 
Already thou'rt obeyed. 

Exit with the Saracens.} 
SCENE II. 

THEODORE : . 3 ; ■ ; ■ : L E D V I C A , 

LED V I C A . 

Oh. Heaven ! sustain 
My faltering courage I 

THEODORE. 

What would she with me ? 
Omnipotent Maker 1 Why am I not girded 
With thine own sword 01 wrath ? — To snatch the victim 
From infamy — Yet. is it not too late .- 
Tremble — Away ! 

LUDOVICA. 

Mv father — 



ACT III. SCENE II. 27 

THEODORE. 

I have cursed thee ! 
Thou art no more my daughter ! Hence ! those tears 
Are infamous ; they prove thy soul's dishonor ! 
Bride of an infidel — a renegade ! 
A rebel to thy God, thy country's God ! — 
My old age is dishonored ! 

LUDOVICA. 

From thy feet 
No force shall spurn me ! Slay thy wretched daughter, 
But scorn her not ! Help I deserve from thee — 
And pity 

Theodore (with emotion.) 

Pity ? Is there then a ray 
Of hope ? She innocent ? Oh, rise ! and let me 
Believe thee guiltless. Be my life's last moments 
Blest in the dear delusion ! — 'Tis not — 'tis not 
A reprobate I strain unto my breast ! 
It is mine own loved child ! 

LUDOVICA. 

No more — Alas ! 
Restrain those sobs ! 

THEODORE, 

The citizens expelled thee 
From yonder walls, a victim all unconscious 
Of crime so fearful. Villains ! on their heads 
My curses fall ! — Haste, tell me ; from the altar 
They banished thee by force ! 

LUDOVICA. 

No — listen to me, 
Are we safe here ? 



EUPHEMIO OF MESSINA. 



THEODORE. 



What mystery dost thou hide ? 

LUDOVICA. 

A fearful one-! — Before the dawn, a sound 

Startling and deep, of brazen trump and steel, 

Broke on the convent's silence. Urged by fear, 

The sacred virgins rushed tumultuously 

Around the holy altar, where a band 

Of shrinking priests the dread announcement gave — 

" The Saracens are upon us !*'■ — Of Euphemio 

None thought, but I ; in secret and alone 

My thoughts were turned to him, whom all the night 

In hideous dreams I had beheld, still struggling, 

Miserably struggling, from a thousand deaths, 

And, wheresoe'er I turned, pursuing still, 

Still calling on my name. That guilty image, 

When slumber ceased, I saw in fancy still \ 

When burst those awful tidings on mine ear— 

" Messina is in danger !" — To the earth 

I flung me prostrate, supplicating Heaven 

For thee and for my country. Then— behold ! 

Into the shrine precipitately rushed 

Pacomio — and I knew that thou, my father, 

Wert held a prisoner in Euphemio's camp : 

The only ransom of thy royal blood 

Thy daughter's shame ! Upon the ground I fell, 

In fierce despair, cursing the fatal day 

When I was born to make my country weep. 

The holy father raised me : " Soon," he said, 

" In Heaven shall we behold thy noble sire. 

" Fear not; — our warriors, ere they would compel thee 

" To quit this holy shrine, have chosen death. 

" Inevitable death ! For our defence 

"Few swords remain, our bravest chiefs have fallen" 

The old man paused, when to his presence — lo ! 
The venerable mother of our band 



ACT III. SCENE II. 29 

Burning with inspiration, rushed; — and placing 
Her hand upon my bowed and trembling head, — 
"Bethulia," she exclaimed "was lost; — whose arm, 
" Whose arm preserved her?" — " Judith's !" I replied— 
Stiffening with terror, as her hidden meaning 
Flashed on my shuddering sense, 

THEODORE. 

Can this be true ? 
Oh, glorious destiny ! Beloved daughter. 
Speak on 

LUDOVICA. 

Thou too, inflamed with cruel joy ! 
Thou, father ! Who will pity my despair ? 

THEODORE. 

" Judith's !" thou said'st ! Oh, offspring not unworthy 
Of noble ancestors | — Speak on 

LUDOVICA. 

A ray 
Of supernatural light seemed suddenly 
To flash upon Pacomio's soul. Thou know'st 
Within the temple hangs the treasured armor 
Of that fierce Moslem chief, in other days 
By brave Euphemio vanquished, when a champion 
Of the true faith, he fought. The holy father 
Flew to those consecrated arms ; — snatched thence 
This dagger, — gave it me : — " The spouse of God," 
He cried, " to thee alone does it belong 
" The insults to avenge, which Hell's cursed slave 
" Hurls toward thy Lord !" — Amid the gathered throng 
Of high and zealous spirits, each invoking 
Me, a weak maid, to work the eternal will, 
Wrapped in extatic zeal, I seemed transported 
Beyond this mortal world. Bewildered, breathless, 



30 EUPHEMIO OF MESSINA. 

I trembled yet. — "Daughter !" — in searching tones 
The old man cried — " Obey !" My lips pronounced 
Unconsciously, " I will !" — but from my hand 

The dagger fell 

(Lets fall the dagger; Theodore raises it.) 
Cold horror chilled my veins ; 
I strove the fatal promise to retract, 
But all in vain ; by some o'er whelming force 
My words were choked. Meanwhile the temple echoed 
With joyous cries, while prostrate at my feet 
The sacred sisters fell, proclaiming me — 
" Chosen of God — the blest deliverer !" 
The gray haired bishop too, before me knelt, 
Oh, honor undeserved ! — and clasped my knees ; 
" No more," he cried, "no more I call thee daughter, 
" But Mother of God's people !" 

Theodore (casting himself at her feet.) 

Of God's people 
Sacred deliverer ! Thy wondering sire 
Must worship too ! 

LUDOVICA. 

What dost thou ? — Wretched me ! 

(raises him.) 
With lightning swiftness through the city flew 
The tidings that to me had Heaven confided 
Its righteous vengeance. Breathless from the cloister 
I came, supported in Pacomio's arms, 
As if, alas ! to punishment I passed, 
A sentenced culprit. All the weeping crowd 
Prayed for me ; and on every side were strewn 
Lilies and roses, and the stately palm 
To martyrs sacred ; while 'mid groans and tears 
A hymn of hope and pious joy ascended ' 
From every tongue. Wrapped in the bright illusion, 






ACT III. SCENE II. 31 

My bosom wildly throbbed ; aloft I brandished 

The consecrated steel ; Pacomio blest it, 

And urged me toward the opening gates : their threshold 

I trod, and saw no more ! Alone I stood, 

Then, in the camp, bloody with recent slaughter. 

The sight of Moslem tents affrighted me ; 

I strove to fly, and bitterly repented 

My fatal errand. 'Twas too late ; — a warrior 

Pursued me, — 'twas Euphemio! 

THEODORE. 

Darest thou name him 
In tones so mournful — tender? 
Misguided girl ! 

LUDOVICA. 

Could I at least unseeing 
Have plunged my steel into the traitor's breast ! 
Then boldly had I done the deed. But now, — 
How can I lift my hand against a heart 
That fondly trusts me, and believes I love ? 

Theodore (threateningly.) 
Dost thou?— 

LUDOVICA. 

We did love, — father — 

THEODORE. 

Dost forget 
Thou art the spouse of God ? 

ludovica (bitterly.) 

But yesterday ! 
Those vows ! Ah ! never more I thought, Euphemio, 
To look on thee again ! Father, thou frownest ! 
Guilty I am — of sinful love, — forsworn 



32 EUPHEMIO OF MESSINA, 

Iii those high vows to which my life was pledged. 
Beside Euphemio — heaven, religion, country. 
All, I forget ! Oh ! save thy wretched child ! 

This base heart has no courage. Look — this steel. 

Yes — yes — thou comprehendest ! 

(TJieodore offers to stab her.) 
Thanks ! O father. 
This, this indeed is pity ! What ! thou darest not 1 

THEODORE, 

Unworthy one ! Thou weep'st, and even to tears 
Compellest me ! Take, take the sword, and free 
Thy sight from one who bitterly would chide. 
Children find such deeds easy. : Twas a Roman, 
Was't not. — a noble model to all daughters, 
Who urged the chariot o'er her lifeless sire. 
And dragging on her path his broken limbs, 
Returned more charming to her minion's arms I 

L U D V I C A . 

Horror ! Yet listen to me. What may mean 
That frenzied laugh 1 He raves — 

THEODORE, 

On my cold dust. 
Amid her country's ruins, lo ! she sits, 
Clasped in the traitor's arms ! But, impious wretches. 
Short are your joys ! The violated throne 
Already totters ! Subterranean flames 
O'erwhelm the parricides ! 

LUDOVICA, 

Oh, words of terror ! 
My father — I obey ! 



ACT 111. SCENE II. 33 

THEODORE. 

Where am I? Where? 
This day's events have fearfully disturbed 

My harassed senses. No — thou hast not said it ! 

Thou lovest no traitor ! Faithful to thine oaths ? 

l udo v i c A. 
Yes, sire. 

THEODORE. 

Messina thou wilt now redeem ? 
This dagger 

ludovica (taking the dagger.) 
May the Omnipotent assist me ! 

THEODORE. 

I am now free, — thy coming makes me so. 

Go on in strength, complete the lofty work. 

I hasten to the city, to collect 

Those of our scattered forces that remain ; 

With them I'll burst on our unguarded foes ; 

Take heed then that Euphemio shall have fallen. 

By Judith's hand, when Holofernes died, 

His armies fell an easy prey ; and thus 

The Saracens will sink beneath our swords, 

Or seek in flight security. But wo ! 

If thou dost fail thy duty to fulfil ! 

Our every hope is crushed ; Messina lost ; 

Thy father with his last breath cursing thee. — 

No, no — my fury, I perceive, has kindled 

Within thy pious breast an answering flame ; 

Religion's light ; religion's — which makes equal 

The trembling maiden's to the warrior's strength ; 

Which fills all earth with wonders, and ere death 

Exalts frail man to fellowship with Heaven. 

5 



34 EUPHEMIO OP MESSINA. 

LUDOVICA. 

The blow when struck, — Oh God ! what must I do 7 

THEODORE. 

Die, an illustrious martyr. — No, await 

The friendly darkness. Judith from the camp 

Came thus in safety, and regained the temple. 

LUDOVICA. 

That may not be. Euphemio will attend me 
Then, to the nuptial rites. Alas ! on him, 
If once I look, my strength will fail. 

THEODORE. 

Then look," 
And in that instant slay ! Farewell — time presses. 
Thou knowest how to die ; a monarch's child, 
The spouse of God. I'll seek thy lifeless corpse, 
And to the grave descend with thee. God pardon 
These tears — she is my daughter ! 

(Ludoviea cannot speak, but is powerfully agitated. Footsteps 
are heard approaching, and she conceals the dagger.) 



SCENE II I. 

To them, enter ALMANZOR. 

ALMA NZ O R. 

The chief is weary of delay, and sends me 
To hasten the departure of thy sire. 

THEODORE. 

Bless thee ! 



ACT III. — SCENE IV. 35 

LUDOVICA. 

No, stay. 

THEODORE. 

Give me the last embrace. 
Thine oath — remember ! 

( Tears himself from her, and exit with JLlmanzor.) 

SCENE IV, 

LUDOVICA. 

Father ! He is gone ! 

Cruel ! and gives no parting look ! Alas ! 

Can I reproach, when wrong and death still threaten 

The author of my life ? 

(bitterly.) This hated life ! 
Can I be grateful for the unwelcome gift 1 
No, no ! the giver is my direst foe ! 
I feared him ever ; all my childish joys 
His austere frowns condemned. He ever spoke 
Of kingly state — of God, — but no fond accent 
Breathed of paternal love. 

Oh, frenzied thoughts ! 
Heaven ! Heaven ! forgive my madness ! Was I not 
But yesterday devoted all to Thee ? 
Is not the sacred veil a shield sufficient 
To guard me from the busy fiend ? — This blood 
Which crimsons all around me, 'tis the blood 
Of mine own countrymen ! Who shed it ? — Who ? 
Euphemio ! Miscreant ! Parricide ! (wildly.) 

No more ! 
Those kindred lives, that holy faith profaned, 
I will avenge ! 



36 EUPHEMIO OF MESSINA 



SCENE V 



Enter e r P H E M I o, followed by soldiers drawn up in order 
and the Moorish Priests. 

EUPHEMIO. 

Why lingerest thou, my love ? The priests await 
In readiness, our proffered vows. How now? 
Wouldst spurn me from thy side ? 



SCENE VI. 

To them, enter a l m a N Z o r . 

ALMANZOR. 

The prisoner Theodore has been returned 
In safety to the city. 

LUDOVICA. 

Said he aught ? 

ALMA NZ O R. 

That thou should'st not forget his parting words. 

LUDOVICA. 

Oh, fearful moment ! 

EUPHEMIO. 

Ha ! she pants for breath ! 
That deathlike paleness ? Hast thou sworn to hate me, 
To thy fierce sire ? Canst thou ? No. Ludovica ! 
I know too well that soul of gentleness ; 
It shines through all thy coldness. Vainly strives 
The mist of superstition,, to transform 
My aspect to thy view ; for thee there shines 
A glorious beam, the light of love. — and reason. 



ACT III. SCENE VI. 37 

Enlightened by such rays, thou mayest discern 

The Deity was false whom I abjured ; 

Who drove me from my native soil, and thee 

Tore from mine arms, though born for me, and doomed 

thee 
To waste within a lonely convent's walls 
Thy innocent life. Behold the witnesses 
Of a true God, yon high and smiling heaven. 
And nature, universal mother. These, 
These tell not of a stern Divinity, 
Who to his faithful children would forbid 
The pure delights of love ; who ever wrathful, 
Receives with joy man's penance, and the sighs 
Heaved from inhospitable prisons ! 

LUDOVICA. 

Peace ! 
Impious ! a single step divides frail man 
From death. — Repent ! 

E UP HE m i o. 

None but the slaves of Christ, 
Esteem it ignominy to pronounce 
The Koran's laws. Oh banish from thy breast 
The false belief ! those laws are just, fraternal. 

ludovica, irritated by his words, makes an effort to strike, 
but is withheld by conflicting feelings. 

Can I ? And what ! Consign him to the horror 
Of Hell's eternal flames ? — Euphemio ? — No ! 
Not blasphemous ! — deluded, led astray, 
But guiltless yet ! — 

EUPHEM 10. 

What fatal secret haunts thee ? 
Large drops of sweat stand on thy brow ; thou gazest 
Sternly upon me 



EUPHEMIO OF MESSINA. 
LUDOVICA. 

Impious — Away ! 
I am a consecrated bride ! — the hand 
Of man must ne'er profane this hallowed veil. 
Wrought of invisible name, it bears a spell 
To blight who dares to touch it. I unworthy 
Assumed it. but from that dread hour became 
The slave of an Almighty jealous Being. 
Who from thy power, and from thine hundred hosts 
Will snatch me soon. I speak with prophet tongue, 
I love thee still, and weep that we must part, 
I have betrayed my duty but in vain : 
I never can be thine. 

EUPHEMIO. 

Thou lovest me still ? 
Boldly I challenge then the unjust wrath 
Of any God who dares withhold thee from me ! 
Justly the Being we oppose who hates us ; 
If He hath power to strike, at least together 
We'll meet the blow. 

LUDOVICA. 

Thy faith is wavering 

EUPHEMIO. 

The will is firm. 

(Takes her by the hand, leads her to the priests, and kneel 
before her.) 
Before the priest. I swear 
Faith to my chosen bride. 

LUDOVICA. 

What do I hear } 



ACT III. SCENE VI. 39 

EUPHEMIO ( Still kneeling.) 

And swear — in this to Christian precepts bending — 
That she alone shall reign my heart's sole queen. 
My children's only mother. 

LUDOVICA. 

Where am I? 
Resistless ? Oh yes ! Heaven's avenging lightnings 
Shall seal our fearful union ! 

EUPHEMIO. 

Dost thou love me? 

LUDOVICA. 

I do. 

EUPHEMIO. 

Mine then — 

LUDOVICA. 

I love thee — yes. 
(A tumult of arms heard.) 

Great Heaven ! 



Fly_fly 



EUPHEMIO. 

How sayest thou ? 

ALMANZOR. 

To arms ! To arms ! 
The Christians are upon us ! 

ALL THE SARACENS, 

To arms ! To arms ! 



40 EUP HEMIC OF MESSINA 

EUPHEHIO. 

Oh. ill-timed storm! Soliman — Bajazet — 
Conduct the princess to my ships ! 

[Rushes out witli his soldiers to batik.) 

LUDOTICl. 

Euphemio ! 
Stay ! — ; Tis m vain. I have betrayed my sire. 
My country, and my God ! 

h borne off.) 



ACT FOURTH. 

Night. In the distance is seen JMessina inflames. TJie ground 
covered with broken armor and dead bodies. 

LUDO¥] : indering over the field.) 

Where do I wander ?- From my wretched self 
I cannot fly, — my deep remorse, the sword 
Of that avenging demon which pursues me : 
0"ertakes and smites, yet leaves the tortured spirit 
Bound to this wearied frame, reserved anew 
For keener deaths. — My country is in flames 
I hear the victors^ fierce exulting shouts. 
Mingled in dreadful uproar with the groans 
Of dying men. My feet are clogged with blood. 
- hands, my garments, and my face — all bear 
The same ensanguined hue. Yet, I still live ! 
Or is this the abode of endless wo I 
Yes. endless : for the maddening- image still 
Of ruin I have caused, shall haunt me ever ! 
Death — death — with desperate cries I supplicate. 
No vital air surrounds me : 'tis the rixed. 



ACT IV. SCENE I. 41 

And burning atmosphere of Hell ! God hears 

My prayers no more. — Oh horror ! 

(Stops and stands oppressed with agony — then, after a brief 

pause, recovers herself) 
That hideous dream ! Yes, dream ! — Did I not choose, 
But yesterday, in penitence and prayers, 
The tranquil convent? — Sisters ! sisters! break 
The horrid vision ! — At the altar's foot 
Let me fall down, — and humbly, — 
(Suddenly recollecting herself) No ! 'tis true, 
My crime — this is the field ; — yon flames consume 
The ruined city ! I have slain my father ! 
Oh memory ! Yet, another steel I bore. 

(Drawing the dagger from her bosom.) 
This might have made me saviour of my country ; 
Coward ! I trembled. In this faithless heart 
Then be it plunged ! — My crime may hope no pardon, 
What now remains ? To hide me in the abyss 
Of everlasting darkness, from the frown 
Of an avenging God ! 

(Is about to stab herself) 

What sound is that 'I 
A groan of anguish ! 

ONE OF THE DYING SOLDIERS. 

If in heaven thou art, 
Mercy implore for me ! 

LUDOVICA. 

I rave ! — That voice — 
An icy horror chills my veins. 

SOLDIER 

Ah me ! 



42 EUPEIEMIO OF MESSINA. 

LUDOVICA. 

Fly ! — Yet, if ere I die I might restore 
Some wretch to life ! 

SOLDIER. 

This suffocating air ! 
Who succors me ? 

L U D V I C A 

His hair methinks is gray. 
Ye names which now enfold my native city. 
Whom will your fatal light reveal ? 

{Bends'- over the soldier.) 
I fear 
To look. — 'Tis he ! — Inexorable justice ! 
Thy bolt is prompt to strike the guilty child ! 
'Tis he ! — he breathes, and from his hoary front 
A stream of blood descends : 'tis cold and stagnant : 
Can this be death I No — no ! his heart beats faintly ; 
He grasps my hand — he lives ! 

THEODORE. 

Who art thou ? 

LUDOVICA. 

Thy child, thy guilty child. 

Theodore (sloichj reviving.) 

I hear a voice. 
But indistinctly. Thou didst name my daughter. 
I had a daughter. — Could I now expire 
In her dear arms 

LUDOVICA. 

He loves me still ; he fell ' 
Unconscious of my guilt. 



ACT IV. SCENE I. 43 

THEODORE, supported by her, raises himself from the ground. 
A deep wound appears upon his head. 

I fell — 'tis true. 
Who speaks of guilt ? God pardons human errors. 
In her an angel perished. 

LDDOVICA. 

Peace ! Oh, shame ! 
He thinks me innocent. 

THEODORE sits sustained by her, his voice gradually gather- 
ing strength. 

Scarce had she pierced 
The traitor, when through all the air resounded 
Exulting cries ; — " Euphemio is no more !" 
Roused by the grateful sound, my arm was nerved 
With more than youthful vigor. On my foes 
I dealt swift slaughter ; when a sudden blow 
My helmet clove, and here I swooned. — But now, 
My strength comes back. My sword — where is my sword ? 
I am a king ! in battle will I die ! 

(Searches for his sword, which Ludovica gives to him; then 
planting the steel in the ground, he raises himself with dif- 
ficulty.) 
This ghastly wound has closed mine eyes ; do thou, 
Friend, guide me to the field. Yet, how is this ? 
I hear no more the clash of arms ; have all 
Our foes then fled ? My glorious country free ? 
Land of my ancestors ! My throne preserved ? 
Alas ! I may not see it ; — but to touch it 
May yet be granted me ! to die upon it ! 

(totters.) 
I faint — the tide of joy has burst too quickly 
Upon my heart 



44 EUPHEMIO OF MESSINA. 

LUDOVICA. 

Sit here : regain thy strength. 

Ah ! he is pale and breathless quite ! My father ! 

Beloved father ! — Yes ! I fear. I fear 

That he should wake and know me ! He will die 

Most happy now. believing throne and country 

Redeemed, and me his daughter, worthy him. 

To Heaven his spirit soars in search of me : 

Yet even in that abode of peace divine. 

A tale of sorrow waits him ! Let me fly ! 

He stirs : — let him ne'er know my perfidy ! 

Here, far from every succor, he will die. 

Still blest in the illusion. — Barbarous wretch ! 

Forsake my dying sire ■ A single crime. 

How leads it to all others ! 

THEODORE:. 

Is this my kingdom ! 

LUDOVICA. 

'Tis death's own kingdom. 

Theodore (starting with surprise. ) 

Daughter ! — 'tis thy voice ' 
Daughter. — art thou 

LUDOVICA, 

Accursed of Heaven I am. 

THEODORE, 

What words are these 1 Beloved child — forgive ! 
It is some horrid mockery of the fiend 
That strives to cheat me. Thou, a holy martyr 
Before the Lord, pray for thy sire ! 

LUDOVICA, 

Yo — no ! 



ACT IV. SCENE I. 45 

That holy name I dare usurp no longer. 

Why should he live, where dead men form his kingdom ? 

Know then 

THEODORE. 

My faithful friends 

LUDOVICA. 

Lie on this field. 



Euphemio - 



THEODORE. 
LUDOVICA. 

For new parricide I saved him. 

THEODORE. 



Messina- 



LUDOVICA, 

Is no more. 

THEODORE. 

Ha ! do I dream ? 
Oh, words that pierce more deep than mortal steel ! 
My people 

LUDOVICA. 

Live no longer. 

THEODORE. 

My native walls 



LUDOVICA. 

O blest art thou, who cannot see the flames 
Which now consume them to the dust ! 



16 EUPHEMIO OF MESSINA. 

THEODORE {desperately.) 

I'll tear 
This bloody curtain from mine eyes. — 'Tis done ! 
The horrid light bursts on them. 

(Rising and extending his hands toward JMessina.) 
Oh my country ! 
My country ! thou hast fallen ! — 

(sinks to the ground.) 

LUDOVICA. 

My father ! 
With desperate hands he tears his wounded temple ! 
Cease ! die not thus despairing. Unto me 
Such fearful death belongs, — to me alone. 
Thou, thou art just. Turn thy last thoughts to Heaven ; 
The bliss thy pious deeds have wrought. 

THEODORE. 

My country ! 

LUDOVICA. 

The Christian's country is not earth. 

THEODORE. 

Away ! 
Leave me to die. Thy presence is a curse. 
I hate thee, and Heaven's wrath I imprecate 
Upon thy perjured head ! 

LUDOVICA. 

I do deserve 
The wrath of Heaven. My sentence is recorded 
In blood, paternal blood. But leave the task 
Of vengeance unto God. Thou art a man, 
A father, — and to pardon, not to punish, 
Belongs to man. 



ACT IV. SCENE I. 47 

THEODORE. 

Pardon 1 darest thou hope pardon ? 

LUDOVTCA. 

From thee, — not God. 

Theodore {raising himself.) 

Where is the accursed deceiver? 
Already art thou left, — already scorned? 

ludovica. 

Gone, to complete his execrated conquest. 
I stood beside the ships, by soldiers guarded 
Who soon forsook me, eager to partake 
The ruined city's spoils. In guilty terror 
Alone upon this field of death I roamed, 
Boding thy fate, and fearing to behold thee ; 
Almighty justice ! here my steps were guided, 
To find thee bleeding, and to pierce thy heart 
With its last wound ! 

THEODORE {affected.) 

Peace — peace — those bitter sobs! 
My heart is earthly still. Can I forget 
That I have been thy father ? 

LUDOVICA. 

No, thou canst not. 
>nly child, in former days so dear, 
Is wretched as she's guilty. Doomed forever 
To banishment from thee, she'll weep in vain, 
Still loving thee, still hopelessly beseeching 
Forgiveness from her sire. 



48 EUPHEMIO OF MESSINA, 

TH EODORE. 

Of God alone ! 
Ask it of God alone. 

LUDOVICA. 

It is too late. 
I will myself become the minister 
Of wrath divine. The sacred steel I hold, 
Which should have saved my native land and thee. 
Not one brief moment I survive thy death ! 

THEODORE. 

My daughter — I forgive thee. 

LUDOVICA. 

Oh my father ! 
Those words 



THEODORE. 

We shall not — Heaven inspires my tongue 
We shall not be eternally divided. 
Yet one atonement for thy fault remains ; 
Go, — with that sacred blade avenge at once 
Sire, countrymen, and Faith ! Euphemio 

LUDOVICA. 

The blow is too late. Who shall raise again 

Yon ruined towers ? Who give thee back thy life ? 

And my lost fame? — None — 

THEODORE. 

Yet from Arab chains 
Thou may'st preserve all Sicily ; perchance, 
Euphemio slaying, free from slavery's yoke 
Italia — Europe. — Dost thou linger? 



ACT IV. SCENE 1. 49 

LUDOVICA. 

No! 



My father — no. 



THEODORE, 

Heaven be blessed ! 
My brow is cold, — I feel thy tears no longer. 
Where art thou — Ludovica? 

LUDOVICA. 

Here — before thee : 
Within thine arms. 

THEODORE. 

Where is she ? Ah ! my daughter— 
I feel no more ; — may Heaven forgive her ! 

(Dies.) 

LUDOVICA. 

Father! 
(Endeavors vainly to revive him.) 
He is no more ! No, no — I did not merit 
A friend like him ; I knew him not — I wronged him! 
But here till death, before this sacred corse, 
I'll sit and weep my crimes. None shall presume 

To tear him from my side. Dig wide that grave ! 

Living, I'll share it with him ! But this body 

Is senseless earth ; — my father is not here. 

Where fled the spirit of that noble hero, 

With whom all glory and all liberty 

Forsook this vanquished land, and made her shores, 

Already crushed, send forth a deeper wail 7 

(Raises her eyes towards heaven ; her voice 
assumes a wild and frenzied tone.) 
From thine immortal seat look down on me, 
Blest spirit ! and with thy celestial tears 



- ..-._...: :t messina 



Blot from the vision of eternal troth 

Mt gin.: 1 - : :..:; — :■'_'_ \. r .-.irr," iie.3.vfns 

Burn with swift lighmingSj but thoo dost withhold them. 



T:i: ngb the night air the vision nowdesceiiis. — 

And feepei in mine ear his awfhl voice 

Tbnndeis, This steel? — a Euphemio P 1 obey 

Guide ::.:.'. my y.rZ-s En 



ACT FIFTH. 

Nighi continues. — The swiokmg rmms of the dim are visible. 

SCENE I 
Enter ilhanzor amd the Saracens, with torches. 

ilMAIZOR. 

-_;.Tf siiirL: rTfrr — iifre. zzzz "ris ir. vani. 

Hfl IvTrl. Sllr L^S flCrll SZL-Iw ihe VI CUIUS 

WLich ir?.:h ii:-..s :liizird :Lis izy. Where is :he ihie: 

E;.:i s2i:v_2iziL^ r ",:.:i. n-i in zrenzr Tc~mr 
He ~ erhd here riTfii his 1:11 lies: :: ±e :ie 
F:: LiTi-ie's hie. Ling I i i:su- 
His seeps. — "in: ashes, snime. ani lahmr ::~ers. 



Die 



ACT V. — SCENE II. 51 

AL M ANZOR. 

That voice — 
Is't not Euphemio's ? Whence ?— 'Tis heard no more. 
His life may be in danger ; haste to seek him ! 



Behold ! 



SARACENS. 



ALMANZOR. 



Euphemio ! 

SCENE II, 
Enter euphemio furiously ; — his sword bloody, 

ALMANZOR. 

Thou art safe — yet speak ; — 
Thy sword still drops with blood, and anger chokes 
Thine accents. 

euphemio. 

Bajazet, the slave, dies yonder. 
Laden with gold the felon sought the ships : 
I seized him, and demanded at his hands 
The princess, to his charge so lately trusted. 
He told me that in haste to share the spoil, 
He had abandoned her ! — I plunged my blade 
Deep in his coward heart. Oh useless vengeance ! 
Our search is vain. — In yon dark waves perchance 
The slave has cast her. — Tigers of the desert, 
Ye, who exult and joy in Christian slaughter. 
Ye slew her ! 

ALMANZOR. 

Madman — canst thou doubt our faith? 



52 EUPHEMIO OF MESSINA. 



EUPHEMIO . 



What faith, when rebels to my sovereign mandate, 

Ye did not pause from massacre ? I wished not 

The sacrifice complete. — When I had humbled 

Messina's lofty gates, and planted there 

My conquering foot, red with her citizens' blood. 

My rage was satiate. — Pity, long a stranger, 

Sprung in my bosom, as I heard the groans 

Of prostrate multitudes — and saw around me 

My boyhood's comrades — aged, virtuous men, 

Maidens and mothers — each imploring me 

By the dear name of brother or of son, 

To save — not theirs — but others' lives ! " Forbear !" 

In vain I cried, to check your rage. " Your chief 

" Was born within these walls — and they are sacred !" 

Madness ! unknown to your inhuman breasts 

The love each son of Europe must preserve 

Forever, for his native land. — A love 

Transmitted from our sires, and from our birth 

Nourished with kindling lessons, and memorials 

At every step, of heroes of the past. 

A spirit of deep love for fame and freedom, 

Which nought can quench. Yainly in pride of conquest 

The haughty Moor shall sit on yonder hills ; — 

Yainly essa}^ to tame with cruelty, 

To lull in error's sleep, that vanquished race ; — 

It cannot be ; hidden, but quenchless still. 

The fire of glory and of patriotism 

Burns in those hearts, — deeper, and fiercer far, 

Because concealed. 

ALMANZOR. 

What ravings these ? 'tis frenzy 
Idolatrous, to worship thus the walls 
Of one poor city ! — Mahomet's brave sons 
Boast them no country save the field and Heaven. 






ACT V. — SCENE II. 53 

Thy mercy to the vanquished is a crime ; 
I blush to view such weakness. 'Twixt this land 
And thee was sworn eternal hate ; — and rightly 
Have we subdued it. 

E UPHEMIO. 

Mercy? — this mild virtue 
Is stranger to the heart, on which the holy 
Pure influence of the Gospel has not fallen ! 
Urged by your blind and bigot rage, I broke 
Into the House of God. My bosom quaked 
With inward fear ; — and shuddering as I trod, 
I fiercely joined in the unholy rapine. 
My sword I strove to turn against the altar, — 
But with stern grasp a hand, as if of steel, 
Withheld my arm. Then in the gloom I fled, 
And 'gainst a marble laid my burning brow ; 
Oh, fearful sight ! that marble well I knew, — 
It held my parents' bones ! — From its deep breast 
Came sobs, and groans, and curses ; and before me, 
Lo ! 'midst the bodies of the slaughtered priests 
A spectre rose. — It was Pacomio — 
Blood on his breast and face : — with his wide mantle 
He slowly wiped it off, and shaking o'er me 
The crimsoned robe — " On thee," he cried, "I pour 
" Deserved death !" Look ! he pursues me still ! 
Where shall I hide me ? at his side what hosts 
Of weeping spectres stand ! Mothers, embracing 
Their dying children — and in vain essaying 
With fond caress, to call them back to life ! — 
I am their murderer ! Of that race I only, 
The parricide, survive ! — Alas ! I knew not 
My damning guilt ! 'Twas some dark spirit of Hell 
That goaded me ! — My country ! Holy faith 
Of my beloved forefathers ! I confess thee ! — 
I bow me to the Cross ! 

(kneeling.) 



54 EUPHEMIO OF MESSINA, 

almanzor [raising him.) 
Impious ! what dost thou ? 

SARACENS. 

He doth blaspheme ! 

OTHER SARACENS. 

He is a traitor — slay him ! 

ALMANZOR. 

Thy faithful friends thou dost compel to fury. 
Hence ! reverence our leader ! Anguish speaks. 
Not reason, in his words. 

ONE OF THE SARACENS. 

The Prophet he blasphemed ! 

EUPHEMIO. 

I execrate him ! 
And you with him, — myself, and all my triumphs ! 
I welcome all your rage, for it impels you 
To take this weary life. It is well meet 
The traitor now should fall by traitor's hands ! 
Lo ! strike 

ALMANZOR. 

My bosom first ! He is the same 
Who kindled with prophetic spirit, beckoned 
Our troops to conquest, and through Europe's bounds 
Swore to extend the Koran. God was with him. 
If guilt has changed him, it to God belongs 
To punish him ; — 'tis ours to weep his fall ! 

EUPHEMIO. 

Almanzor, peace ! an ingrate, I deserve not 
Thy benefits ; thou art 



ACT V. SCENE II. 55 

ALMANZOR. 

A Saracen. 

EUPHEMIO. 

Thy noble pity — is thy darkest crime. 
To me, a wanderer from a foreign land, 
Far in thine Arab tents, thou didst extend 
A hospitable welcome, shelter, food, 

Promise of friendly help, and hope of vengeance. [ship 
Would thou hadst murdered me ! Thy proffered friend- 
Was most unholy, for on every look 
Of mine was stamped the semblance of a fiend. 
'Tis an apostate whom thou lovedst. I may not 
Be loved by thee ; — in thee myself I hate. 

SARACENS. 

He doth insult Almanzor ! 

EUPHEMIO. 

Death I ask, 
Since Ludovica is no more. In vain 
Thou strivest to vanquish me with noble deeds ; 
His heart is dead to every virtuous sense 
Who has consigned his kindred to destruction. 
I hate thee, — therefore, slay me ! 

ALMANZOR. 

I discern 
Thy desperate wish for death ! Believe him not ; 
He does not hate me ! Weary of his life, 
He would that we should cut it short. — Hence ! lead him 
By force unto our ships. We will depart 
To crush that seven hilled City in her pride, 
From which the flood of dark idolatry 
Has overspread a thousand shores ! New scenes 
Of battle will with time restore our chief 
To ancient valor. 



56 EUPHEMIO OF MESSINA. 

EUPHEMIO. 

Bear me from these shores, 
Where Ludovica, though in death, remains, 
And alii loved ! Villains — forbear ! Behold ! 
The turban, which to Mahomet allied me, 
I trample on ! — Like Mahomet, I was 
A foul impostor, but my deeds more guilty 
Than his ; — he raised his people to an empire - 
I ruined mine ! 

SARACENS. 

Perish ! 

A L M A N Z O R . 

Stay — we have sworn 
Eternal faith to him ! 

EUPHEMIO. 

I can release you 
From these your impious vows, 

(Solemnly.) 
Whatever right 
I had o'er you, here to the brave Almanzor 
I do resign it : — These my last commands, 
Obey him as your leader and your chief 

SARACENS. 

Almanzor is the chief ! 

ALMANZOR. 

No! 

EUPHEMIO. 

All in vain 
Thou wouldst resist. My furious ambition 



ACT V. SCENE II. 57 

Has wrought no fruit, save flames of hopeless love. 
I would have traversed earth's extremest bound 
If Ludovica had been there ; and here, 
Since I have lost her, every hope is ended ; 
All strength, all thirst of glory and of blood. 
My destiny is now fulfilled ! nor boots it 
That thou, suspecting my intent, shouldst now 
Restrain my arm. 

(JLhnanzor takes away his sivord.) 
And what may it avail thee 
To rob me of the steel ? I have resolved 
To die ! 

ALMANZOR. 

Alas! 

EUPHEMIO. 

Thy followers are burning 
With fury scarce restrained. Why wouldst thou bid 

them 
Conduct me to the ships 1 I should provoke them 
So deeply, that their bigot rage would deem it 
Religion to be deaf to thy commands, 
And slay me at thy feet. 

almanzor (to his soldiers.) 

Heed not his words ; 
He raves. 

EUPHEMIO. 

I do not rave ; I do abjure 
The false and guilty worship of your Prophet ! 
A worship thrice accursed ! 

A SARACEN. 

Oh, impious words ! 
Heard ye ? 

8 



58 EUPHEMTO OF MESSINA. 

ALL THE SARACENS. 

Slay him ! 

ALMANZOR. 

Ho, there ! 

saracens (in greater tumult.) 
Slay him ! 

almanzor (driving back the soldiers with his cimeter.) 

His life 
I'll purchase with mine own ! 

( The multitude forced back, Almanzor returns toward 
Euphemio, and urges him to a distance from them.) 
Withdraw thyself. 

(To the Saracens.) 
Here let us leave the guilty. To the ships 
Depart with me — all ! In the Prophet's name 
I charge you —follow me. 
(to Euphemio.) I will return 
In a brief space, to thee, when from thy sight 
I've led the furious soldiers. 

(Exit with the soldiers.) 

SCENE III 

euphemio (alone.) 

Generous soul ! 
I reigned once over such. — How has an hour, 
An instant, shaken to its base the power 
Of him who dared to measure with a look — 
A conquering demi-god — earth's proudest thrones ! 
My greatness was a dream ; the meanest slave 
May scorn me now, — may deem himself mine equal. 



ACT V. — SCENE III, 59 

Euphemio's equal, any living man ? 
Then life indeed is worthless ! Where's my sword ? 
Ah — slave — seek worthy death in battle yet. 
Once more let those proud Moslem standards bend 
Their haughty folds to me ! 

(Takes a burning torch from the ground 
and is going, but stops suddenly.) 
How — Theodore ! 
My king ! Well didst thou know my fierce ambition — 
The unmeasured love of rule which scorned all laws, 
And holy was thy wish, though all too late, 
With my death to prevent thy house's ruin, 
Thy country's, and my own. A hero's death 
Had saved a nation from this mortal wo. — 
Cold horror creeps upon me ! — No — no more 
'Tis mine to hope for glory. Here I wait, 
E'en like a nameless slave, — unhonored death ! 
My corse, alone, unburied, infamous, 
Perchance through yon deserted, silent streets, 
By my few countrymen who yet survive 
Their city's ruin, will be dragged in blood : — 
My ashes to the winds and seas dispersed 
With curses. — Yet — and dare I not pronounce 
The name of Ludovica ? Why then feign 
To think of cares remote, when her I weep, 

Her only ? 

(Looks at Theodore, and starts back in terror.) 
'Tis no dream ! the dead old man 
Half rises from the soil ! Does he forbid me 
To name his daughter ? What does he command ? 
" Die !" — I obey — I am again thy subject ; 
Give me a sword, that I may satisfy 



EUPHEMIO OF MESSINA. 



SCENE IV. 



ludovica distracted, appears at the bottom of the scene, 
ivith a drawn dagger, and sees Euphemio, as he, bending over 
the body of Theodore, seeks a sword. 

LUDOVICA. 

Euphemio ! — He insults my father's dust ! 
Die — sacrilegious wretch ! 

{Stabs him; — then starting backward, 
stands stupified with horror.) 

EUPHEMIO. 

Thou — Ludovica 1 
This, this is retribution ! — Thanks ! — I see thee. 
Sweet from thy hand — even death ! 

{Approaches her tottering.) 
My Ludovica ! 
Forgive me — Ha ! she hears me not — her eyes 
Burn with the light of frenzy ! 

ludovica {strives in vain to speak ; — at last, in accents 
of t err or) 

My father ! — 
Euphemio ! my father ! 

• euphemio. 

It was he, 
He, who commanded this ? The charge was sacred : — 
I die — and by the hand of one adored, 
As God alone should be adored. 

{Falls ; — Ludovica advances toward him.) 
Fly from me ! 
I am a parricide, — the murderer 
Of all my race, — and infamous ! Haste, fly ! 
I hear Almanzor's voice ! 



ACT V. — -SCENE V. 61 

SCENE V. 
To them, enter almanzor. 

almanzor (calling from the bottom of the scene.) 

Unhappy friend ! 
I've cleared thy path from Moslem swords. Where art 
thou ? 

EUPHEMIO. 

Come 

almanzor (rushing to him.) 
What sight is this ? 

EUPHEMIO. 

Receive my latest sigh. 

ALMANZOR. 

Oh, madness ! who has dared? — thyself? 

EUPHEMIO. 

God smites me — 
Oppose him not. 

ALMANZOR. 

And she ? 

EUPHEMIO. 

Alas ! thou seest 
Her fearful state. I pray thee, pity her ! 
Heed not her accents ; — sorrow has compelled them 
From her unconscious lips. Thou weep'st — still faithful ! 
Give the last proof of friendship. 



EUPHEMIO OF MESSINA 
ALMANZOR. 



Yes! 



EUPHEMIO. 

This maid — 
Conduct her safely to some Christian shelter, 
Whence to the cloister's walls she may return. 
Oh, Ludovica ! with repentant tears 
Thou yet may'st open Heaven for me ! — Almanzor, 
Swear — that my dying charge be not in vain 

ALMA NZOR. 

I swear ! — Euphemio ! — Heaven — he dies ! 

ludovica [starting from her stupor.) 
'TwasI — 
'Twas I — who slew him ! 

ALMANZOR. 

He hears not ! Now with speed 
Fulfil we his last charge ! — then straight withdraw 
The Saracen host from this ill-omened shore ! 

(As he leads out Ludovica, the curtain falls.) 



THE END 









EUPHEMIO OF MESSINA 



TRAGEDY 



TRANSLATED FROM THE ITALIAN 



SILVIO PEL LI CO 



>r 



NEW YORK 



PUBLISHED BY MONSON BANCROFT, 3S9 BROADWAY. 



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